Zoning Board of Appeals
The board will hear three new zoning matters: a variance request for an addition at 9 Sanborn Terrace, a special permit for a home-occupation massage therapy at 40 Merrimac Street, and an appeal challenging the building commissioner’s determination about a commercial use at 102 Friend Street (rear). A continued public hearing will consider a Comprehensive Permit for a 95-unit multifamily cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road under Chapter 40B.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed four agenda items, with the evening dominated by a contested neighborhood appeal and two permit decisions. The Board heard extensive testimony on an appeal concerning 102R Friend St. (rear lot behind 5 Ellis Court), where neighbors described increased noise, fumes, and potential environmental and health impacts they attribute to auto-repair activity. The property owner and the Building Commissioner characterized the use as a long-standing, preexisting nonconforming garage/storage use; attorneys and several participants discussed statutory tests for whether the use remains protected. After discussion the Board voted to continue the appeal to the October 22, 2026 meeting to allow parties time to consider proposed stipulations and additional information (continuance vote 4–1).
The Board took final action on two permit applications. It unanimously approved a variance for 9 Sanborn Terrace to allow a 330-square-foot single-story primary-suite addition, finding hardship from the lot shape and existing utilities and that the addition would not be detrimental to the neighborhood. The Board also unanimously granted a special permit for a home-occupation massage therapy business at 40 Merrimac Street, concluding the low-volume, in-home practice met the applicable special-permit and home-occupation criteria; neighbors raised questions about hours, signage, and parking, which the Board considered while adopting findings. The Board additionally addressed the 27 Kimball Road comprehensive permit matter procedurally, accepting the applicant’s request to continue the 40B hearing and to extend relevant deadlines.